Jakarta,Indonesia – Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim has been named a suspect by the Attorney general’s Office (AGO) in a corruption case involving alleged state financial losses linked to Data and Communication Technology (ICT) activities. Makarim was arrested immediately following questioning, according to Director of Inquiry (Dirdik) Jampidsus AGO, Nurcahyo Jungkung Madyo.The alleged financial loss to the state is currently estimated at approximately Rp 1,980,000,000,000 (roughly $128 million USD), though the Financial and Progress Supervisory Agency (BPKP) is still finalizing the calculation. The case centers on potential irregularities in the procurement and implementation of ICT infrastructure within the Ministry of Education and Culture. Makarim faces charges under Article 2 paragraph 1 or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001, concerning the eradication of corruption crimes, and also Article 55 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.
Prior to naming Makarim a suspect, the AGO had already identified and charged four other individuals: Sri wahyuningsih, Director of Elementary School at the Directorate General of Early Childhood Education, Basic Education and Secondary Education (2020-2021); Mulyatsyah, Director of SMP at the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbudristek) in 2020; Jurist Tan, a Special Staff to the Minister; and Ibrahim Arief, an individual consultant for the design of school resource management technology infrastructure improvements.
The investigation and subsequent charges against Minister Makarim raise questions about accountability and transparency within the Indonesian education system and could lead to significant reforms in procurement processes. The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the BPKP completes its assessment of the total financial losses and the AGO prepares for trial.
